About this opportunity
The Salvation Army NJ Division lists this Donor Relations Director opportunity in union, New Jersey. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Make a Direct Impact Through Major Gift Fundraising
The Salvation Army New Jersey Division is seeking a Donor Relations Director to serve as a frontline major gift fundraiser, responsible for building meaningful donor relationships and securing transformative philanthropic investments.
This role is ideal for a fundraiser who is energized by engaging donors directly, leading conversations about philanthropy, and confidently asking for major gifts.
The Role
The Donor Relations Director (DRD) manages a portfolio of approximately 125-150 major donors and prospects, with focus on securing gifts of $10,000 to $25,000+. The DRD will manage and grow a portfolio of $1M+.
You will:
Initiate and lead donor relationships from qualification through solicitation and stewardship.
Develop and execute moves management strategies for each assigned donor
Conduct face-to-face visits, discovery conversations, and solicitations
Align donor passions with high impact funding opportunities across The Salvation Army’s work
This is not a behind-the-scenes role – success requires a professional who is comfortable in the field, proactive in outreach, and confident in asking for gifts.
Duties and Responsibilities
The duties listed below are the primary duties of this position but are not all the required duties. The Salvation Army reserves the right to change, reduce or expand the duties of this position at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
What You’ll Do – Frontline Fundraising
Own a portfolio of major donors, actively managing qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Conduct regular in-person and virtual donor visits
Develop and present compelling fundraising proposals
Personally solicit gifts and guide donors through investment decisions
Build long-term philanthropic relationships that grow investments and portfolio over time
Moves Management Strategy
Create and execute individualized donor engagement plans
Track all activity in CRM and maintain disciplined follow-up
Partner with colleagues to refine strategies and move donors forward
Donor Engagement & Experience
Coordinate site visits, briefings and mission experiences
Design meaningful touchpoints that deepen connection and impact
Deliver an exceptional, personalized donor experience
What We’re Looking For - Required Experience
Minimum 5+ years in nonprofit fundraising, with a demonstrated track record of securing major gifts from individual donors
Proven success managing a portfolio of 125-150 donors and closing gifts at the $10K+ level
Experience using moves management systems to drive results
Critical Competencies
We are specifically seeking candidates who:
Are comfortable initiating donor conversations – including with new prospects
Can lead discovery conversations about capacity, interests, and giving motivation
Are confident and skilled in asking for financial commitments
Have strong executive presence and can engage high-capacity donors effectively
Bring a goal-oriented, proactive approach to relationship management
This role requires a high level of comfort with direct fundraising and solicitation. It is best suited for professionals who enjoy and excel at asking for gifts. This position requires local travel across the state of New Jersey
Additional Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required (CFRE preferred)
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to collaborate across teams and with volunteer leadership
Valid driver’s license is required
Extensive local travel is required
Access to a reliable vehicle is essential
Willingness to work flexible hours is required
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Worksite address
union, NJ, 07083, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.